Foreign Affairs Minister Iruthisham Adam has called for a more inclusive Commonwealth, urging that every member country be given equal opportunities to participate in decision-making and leadership, irrespective of its size or national capacity.
The Minister made the remarks while attending the Pre-Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda. She emphasised that the organisation must strengthen cooperation and collective action to respond effectively to the unprecedented challenges confronting the international community.
Minister Iruthisham said the Commonwealth must continue to evolve into a progressive and responsive organisation if it is to achieve its shared goals and address the changing needs of its members.
She also highlighted the importance of the organisation's role in advocating for increased climate finance, particularly to support sustainable development and strengthen economic resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which remain highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Calling for urgent changes to the international financial system, the Minister said the existing financial architecture must better recognise and address the economic and environmental vulnerabilities faced by small island nations.
She reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to working closely with the Commonwealth and its member countries to promote the organisation's common interests and ensure that the concerns of all members are represented.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent countries, bringing together nations from different regions and with varying populations and economic capacities. Its work focuses on promoting cooperation, democracy, development and shared values among its members.
The ministerial meeting was convened ahead of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, scheduled to take place in St John's from 1 to 4 November 2026. The gathering provides an opportunity for foreign ministers to discuss shared international concerns, coordinate positions and strengthen cooperation ahead of discussions among Commonwealth leaders.
